“Subway Art” Might Make Tish The Next Lauryn Hill

Watch the new video for the singer/songwriter’s straphanger ballad about her city.

In the stark black and white video for her latest ballad, Bronx-born singer/songwriter Tish Hyman profiles the worn faces that ride by anonymously on New York subway trains every day, by the millions. Tish got her start as a battle rapper around NY, and soon broadened her scope to penning early work alongside Kanye West and Alicia Keys. "Subway Art" has gained enthusiastic nods from Fabolous, Ty Dolla $ign, Casey Veggies and Keys herself, who has tapped Tish to write for her upcoming record.

The praise is due. Tish's voice might recall a pained young Lauryn Hill, but in contrast to Ms. Hill's more opaque late career, Tish's perspective is fresh and crystal clear. "I've rode the subways in the city my entire life," she tells the FADER. "'Subway Art' is about the heart of the city. It's about life underground. When I talk to strangers on my rides, most of their stories involve hardship and struggle. Real life... I wanted to make a record that represents this." Tish's debut album Dedicated To is slated for release this spring, and includes contributions from producer William Larsen of Nico & Vinz's #1 smash, "Am I Wrong", to Grammy Award winner Bink who's credits include Jay-Z, John Legend, Busta Rhymes.